Is this a device you would use? (alternative to CPAP)

In My Humble Opinion
1

Disclaimer: Not associated in any way with the company, but I was recently diagnosed with a mild form of Central Sleep Apnea and I refuse to use a CPAP.

I found the sleep study hideous. It was the worst sleep I’d had in quite a long time, and I even took a Lunesta for the study, which normally puts me right out.

The tech woke me up to rearrange the wires on my legs. Then she woke me up to tell me not to sleep on my stomach, to which I called bullshit, because they should be able to factor that in, right, no matter how you sleep?

After that, I couldn’t get back to sleep. I tossed and turned, tried to read for a bit, and at one point attempted to leave, pointing out there was no way to do a sleep study if I couldn’t sleep, now was there? She mumbled something about talking to her supervisor and how insurance wouldn’t pay if I left, to which I pointed out again they wouldn’t pay if I couldn’t sleep. She walked out to [air quotes] call her supervisor [/end air quotes] and said I really needed to stay. I think I managed to get two hours of sleep that night wearing a CPAP and that’s when I decided no way, no how.

I don’t know where I stumbled across this, but based on their crowd funding, it’s something people are hugely excited about. For those of you who wear a CPAP, is this something you would consider?

2

I’ll keep an eye on the device to see how it does. I like my cpap machine, but it did take a few months for me to get used to it. Sorry you had such a bad experience during the sleep study. When I did mine they asked me to try to sleep on my back, and I said I’ll try, but if I fall asleep, I’ll be sleeping on my side, so you’ll have to get the best readings you can from that. I woke up a lot, but managed to get about 5 hours sleep.

One of the things with CPAP that’s important is the adjustable pressures. A mask is better for me than nose probes because of the pressure I need to counteract my apnea. This device, if it does work, will probably be more suitable for lighter cases of apnea.

3

In theory? Yes, if I could learn to breathe trough my nose at night, which after using a CPAP for ~4 years I haven’t been able to do.

However, I’m far from convinced that this little doohickey is anything more than a scam. With phrases like

I immediately think “snake oil!” and am put off by the idea. CPAP machines aren’t as simple as this guy apparently makes them out to be, and the idea that each one is single-use, disposable, and will be available for $3 apiece seems ludicrous. Additionally, the pressure that a CPAP builds up is pretty significant and I can’t for the life of me figure out how that thing is supposed to stay in the nose without blowing (sorry) itself across the room when it’s in operation. For it to stay anchored it must have some sort of very strong—and very uncomfortable—mounting system. Certainly not the little flexible nosepiece that’s shown in the video.

If it actually worked then yes, I’d be interested in it. I’m not convinced that it actually does. I don’t really have a problem with my current setup, so maybe I’m just not desperate enough.

4

Thanks, Lancia. I’ve never used a CPAP except in my sleep study and I didn’t really know all the ramifications of this modified version. I’ll keep that in mind.

5

I’ve gotten used to my CPAP. I’m a creature of habit when it comes to falling asleep. I can’t fall asleep without it now. Something about the rhythmic breathing that puts me to sleep fast. I’ve also had braces for 6 years when I was young, and have been sleeping with a mouth guard for the past ten due to bruxism, so I had little problems adjusting to my CPAP. It’s like getting geared up for combat every night.

I’ve noticed a difference in the past year from using it. I know what’s it like to finally get a good nights sleep now. I’m more alert, less anxious. Basically I feel less stupid.

I’d try this new device as long as I don’t have to fork out another 3K for it, and it’s recommended by physicians.

6

What’s to prevent the air from going out your mouth instead of into your lungs? If your airway was blocked and air was forced into your nose, it would take the easiest path, which is out of your mouth.

7

It sucks that you had a bad experience with your sleep study. I remember it being annoying but not particularly bad; the wires they glued to my scalp and chest and legs was the worst part. I didn’t have to wear a mask for the test.

I got used to the mask almost immediately. I’m a mouth breather at night apparently so I have a full-face mask. I’m also a side sleeper so perhaps that has something to do with it. Now I can’t imagine sleeping without it; this weekend I’m going with my boys on a scouting camp-out and am not looking forward to sleeping two nights without it.

Obviously this is a YMMV thing, but it’s been beneficial to me and once I got used to the thing it’s totally unobtrusive.

8

If I could use something like that, I would certainly consider it. However, I use a full-face mask because I cannot rely on my nasal passages staying clear all night. I think it is disingenuous of these folks to show one photo with a full face mask and then a photo with their little device, as if it’s the same thing. It might be able to replace nose-only masks, if it works.

Something I didn’t understand about the web funding site is their timeline. They haven’t built a prototype for testing yet? So all they have is math and theory? Apparently they have one model that they used for the video, but I guess that one model doesn’t actually do anything, it’s just for show. They are going to start prototyping in July and they are giving themselves 9 months for that, then 10 months for FDA approval. Is that realistic? It seems optimistic to me.

Anyway, if they could do something like that for mouth breathers like me, I would be very interested.

They have nose-only CPAP masks now, and they seem to work ok for those who can use them. I suppose you could add a chinstrap if it was really necessary, but people who can breathe through their nose probably wouldn’t have a problem keeping their mouths shut while sleeping.

9

I use a CPAP with nose pillows. There is a small strap that goes on my head so this little thing doesn’t have that. I also have a little heated water thing that allows moist air to prevent drying my throat. This thing doesn’t provide that so even if it worked perfectly and really costs $3 per night I would not use them. I might take some with me on trips so I don’t have to pack my CPAP. I also doubt my insurance would ever pay for them so daily use is at least $1095 per year.

10

I use a nasal pillow mask with a head strap. Sounds a lot like what Lanzy wrote.

I could certainly see using something like this for travel purposes. Seems a LOT easier than lugging the whole CPAP machine and hydration unit.

The clincher for me for daily use is what Mrs Iggy thinks. I only got hooked up a couple months ago and she has been out of the country. If she is getting strangled by the CPAP hose when I toss and turn then something like this hoseless device would be a great improvement and at that price well worth the money.

11

I have a nose-only setup and learned to sleep with my mouth closed. Sometimes I open my mouth while sleeping and it shoots out of my mouth exactly as you stated.
When it does that it gets noisy enough that I wake up enough to close my mouth and go back to sleep.

12

In my case – and I was told it’s not unusual – if I open my mouth while using my (nose-pillow) CPAP, there’s a vibration that develops somewhere in my throat. This is unpleasant enough to wake up, so that your brain quickly learns not to open the mouth. If it doesn’t, you probably need to use a face mask.

About the device:

They exagerate the unpleasantness of today’s CPAP machines. Their pictures show full face masks and they talk about tangled tubes, etc.

I think this device would be useful for travel, but I would not use it at home. There’s something ridiculously wasteful about throwing away the whole thing (nose pillows + logic board + blower + battery) every morning. Also, I need my humidifier.

I think people will try to use the same unit for 2 nights to save money.

I’m pretty sure the real device will need a head strap. At the very least, they’ll offer it as an option because I can’t imagine a retention mechanism that would work reliably enough and still be comfortable.

I also think they are too optimistic about the FDA approval process.

13

I was a mouth-breather, largely due to allergies, but I do fine with nose plugs. Air pressure seems to cause a “vortex effect” (or something) that pulls my tongue up to plug my mouth.

14

I use a full face mask. It doesn’t bother me at all. I’d love it if this thing worked, because it would make life easier for my wife. However, like everyone else, I’m extremely skeptical.

And just to address your sleep study story - you DO realize that the CPAP doesn’t involve all those annoying wires, right? I assume you do, but it’s not clear.

My first sleep study, with no CPAP, was a horrible, horrible night’s sleep. My followup, with the CPAP, was much better.

15

I was hooked up to the wires AND wearing a CPAP, I guess to see if it worked. I don’t wake up fatigued, I have plenty of energy, this was just something my pulmonologist wanted done when I told him my asthma seemed to be getting worse.

16

Right - but the wires part only happens during the sleep study, not when using the CPAP at home. I just wanted to make sure that was clear.

17

If you ever need to have this done again, perhaps a home sleep study would be less intrusive and still get the data your doctor needs?

I did a home study and was only hooked up to one wire - an oxygen meter taped to my finger. I had a nasal cannula hooked around my ears and there was some sort of elastic strap around my chest as well. Not bad.

18

Snore, apnea, wife had it with the snoring, did not want to sleep down the hall.

Mapping pilot, mask to breathe was nothing new.
Sleep study on was with no CPAP to see what I was really doing. I was bad, real bad.

Next study, tried different masks and liked the nose only for comfort & best seal with my beard which was NOT coming off. Period Dot.

Got machine same day, with water tank, used it the same night and every night ever since or anytime I am sleeping in a near horizontal position.

Wife does not get near hose or machine which is on my side of the bed.
Can use an 12V car battery with direct connect because every CPAP machine I know of works off an 12V wall wart. Several buddies have deep cycle marine batteries just for camping, get 2-3 days depending on length of sleep time.

Doc does a yearly SD card check to see if I am using it and doing OK for the Ins to keep paying. My beard leaks some so I have it set higher to compensate. ( 15 )

Works good.

Maybe 8 years now, I forget.

My tongue blocking air through my mouth was automatic and I never have a problem with air pressure loss that way. I can drink, use cough drops etc. with the CPAP running.

Never heard of anyone with apnea as bad as mine say that they can’t sleep with one. There would be no sleeping at all unless sitting upright and waking VERY frequently. + no rest = last maybe a week before you die.

Wife says it is white noise & anything including heavy metal was better than listening to me. She keeps her gun on her night stand and does not suffer willingly. ( Just sayin )

New gizmo = same questions others have, + I need 10 to 12 hours run time and as I normally run at ‘15’ I don’t think they will be able to have that kind of power. I would need personal experience even if it was free. If it can’t do the job, price does not make any difference.

Well, it would have to be as cheap as my CPAP, have water vapor, not blast narrow air stream up my nose as does not happen with the plenum chamber effect of the regular mask I an using.

Worth watching but I don’t / won’t put any $$$ in as I don’t have any to spare.

I would love for it to be the ‘cats meow’ and fill all my needs but …

19

I think the whole sleep study thing is a scam. My GP sent me in for one because I was complaining of excessive daytime sleepiness. I’m a fit young(er) guy and my wife has never complained about me snoring… In fact she says I hardly ever snore. So I did the sleep study, and like you, I had a terrible frustrating night, hardly slept, and when I did manage to fall asleep it was a light sleep and I was aware of my wires the whole time.

I saw the sleep doctor the next morning, he showed me some impressive looking charts and showed how many times I stopped breathing and how often it occurred. I qualified for moderate sleep apnea. For a while there I had hope that this was what was causing my daytime sleepiness and was kind of excited to try out the CPAP machine he prescribed. Conveniently, his office sells these.

Long story short, I’ve been on it for a couple of months now and I can’t tell any difference in how I feel. I heard stories from co-workers saying they are a godsend, but it hasn’t been like that for me. However, I’ve gotten used to the CPAP machine and I kind of like the way if feels… the pressurized air blowing into my lungs. It makes it really easy to breath really deep and it just feels good.

So what I’m saying is that you may find out you like it whether you need it or not.

By the way, the sleep center charged my insurance over $9k for the study. That is insane. I think they only paid them $800 or so, which is still overpriced in my opinion.

20

Sorry you had a bad experience with the sleep study…no one has a good time with those, and it seems you didn’t go in with a good attitude about it. I didn’t sleep much with mine, but the few minutes I DID sleep (finally) got enough data that they sent me home a bit early. During my second one, knowing they needed me to sleep on my back to watch eye movement and all that, I did finally get mad enough to say “F*** This” and roll over to fall asleep…but they had done a good job of explaining why things were the way they were to me. I was also VERY motivated to use a CPAP after having friends have great improvement with it…and I was almost having car accidents due to micro-sleep at traffic lights. But even with motivation, there is a learning/adjustment curve that takes time. I don’t like things in my nose, and while I think this device might be great when travelling for mild cases, it seems pricey and wasteful (yes, I saw the recyclable part, still…) and my mask works very well.